Solid match for Baggy, Rafa played well when he was aggressive but abused the slice and paid for it

http://i37.tinypic.com/kb7g9w.jpg

Speed of Light

08-21-2010, 02:02 AM

Nadal was way off color...

MalwareDie

08-21-2010, 02:02 AM

Great stuff by Baggy. Federer/Baghdatis should be an entertaining semifinal.

Ozone

08-21-2010, 02:02 AM

Baghdatis just outplayed Nadal tonight:worship: If he keeps this up, he'll have a '05 Aussie Open-like US Open. Great serving and tennis from Marcos:crazy: 10 aces, 8 errors to Rafa's 16, 95% of first serve points won just in the 1st. Respect to Marcos as he served last in every set. Marcos came up with unreal shots at 4-4 in the 3rd, to setup a break point, in which the Clay King, who has had a woeful hard court season, double faulted on. Baggy came out and falt out beat Rafa tonight. Great tennis from both men however. A treat to watch this kind of tennis. Im so happy for Marcos and cant wait to see him in the US Open:drive::woohoo: Serving the match out was:worship:

18 aces, 62% 1st serves, 28 errors to Nadal's 41

Action Jackson

08-21-2010, 02:02 AM

The pigeon gets a win finally and excellent effort from Marcos all round. At the same time Nadal is always vulnerable at this event.

Knightmace

08-21-2010, 02:03 AM

Wooooooooohooooooooooooo

Toaderling

08-21-2010, 02:03 AM

Ha ha ha ha ha.

Retire.

SheepleBuster

08-21-2010, 02:03 AM

hhahahahhahahahahhahahahaha

SheepleBuster

08-21-2010, 02:04 AM

Strategic tank by Nadal. He is scared of Roddick and we all know Roddick is reaching the final. Muahahaha

viruzzz

08-21-2010, 02:04 AM

Very good match by Marquitos.
He fought like a gladiator.
Not everyday you defeat a number one.
Congratulations, winner.

better player on the night, simple. could have went either way, but marcos a worthy winner.

rafa_maniac

08-21-2010, 02:06 AM

Oh dear. Another tough 3 set loss on HCs this year for Nadal similar to Ljubicic and Roddick. He just doesn't have the mentality on this surface. Had 3-4 0-30 and missed two easy returns, then double faulted to hand over the break the next game :o Baggy served like crazy and played really well except for a bit of a dip late in the second set. No Fedal :sad:

madmax

08-21-2010, 02:06 AM

why so much fuss here? A better HC player prevailed...NID

SheepleBuster

08-21-2010, 02:06 AM

Lol Fed fans here happy he lost? Strange...

Nah. Every day Nadal loses is heaven on earth.

Dyraise

08-21-2010, 02:06 AM

Eh.....

TheBoiledEgg

08-21-2010, 02:06 AM

Rafa: "its not fair cos court is too fast, no ?"

just watch him whinge, and say he wont come back unless they make it slower :tape:

Marcos :bounce: :yeah:

Ben.

08-21-2010, 02:06 AM

Rafa started out playing exactly how he needs to play for the first six games or so. He didn't get the break and reverted to his typical play from the last two weeks. Baghdatis served excellently most of the match. Big win for him, good to see him deep in a masters.

emotion

08-21-2010, 02:07 AM

There are not 20 seeds

SheepleBuster

08-21-2010, 02:07 AM

Here is my prediction. Nadal will never win a US Open unless he wins it this year.

MIMIC

08-21-2010, 02:07 AM

http://i34.tinypic.com/2eeklz7.jpg

:worship:

Sucks that it won't be a Fed/Nadal semi, though. Fed fans probably crazed with glee.

Johnny Groove

08-21-2010, 02:07 AM

6 threads :lol:

Nadal fought, but Baghdatis was incredible.

Huge win for Marcos.

Michael Bluth

08-21-2010, 02:07 AM

Huh? Talk about coming out of left field.

This is way more surprising than the losses to Ljubicic and Roddick. Then again, even at Wimbledon Rafa was down two sets to one to Haase and Petzschner.

Topspin Forehand

08-21-2010, 02:07 AM

Strategic tank by Nadal. He is scared of Roddick and we all know Roddick is reaching the final. Muahahaha
Nadal wants to be fresh for the US Open. No reason to risk injury this close to the US Open. 9-10 days off is perfect. Cincy is not the ideal preparation as the courts are too fast here.

peribsen

08-21-2010, 02:08 AM

Great win for one of the more likeable players on the tour!
Rafa has nobody to blame but himself, he did have his chances, but simply culdn't exploit them.
Marcos serve was on fire, his defense was great, good passing and drop shots... the works!
Congrats to all Cypriots and Greeks around here.

guga2120

08-21-2010, 02:08 AM

why so much fuss here?

The Federer fans were scared Rafa would win, and embarrass the "GOAT" yet again.

Ivanatis

08-21-2010, 02:08 AM

I'm so damn tired
but that was fuckin' worth it:woohoo:

Dimitra

08-21-2010, 02:09 AM

I'm so happy for this!!:woohoo: Markos!!!:yeah: :bounce: :rocker2:
and now his seeding and draw is going to be much better in USO too.:D

second no.1 win in a year.:lol:

djb84xi

08-21-2010, 02:11 AM

First of all, all credit goes to Baghdatis for playing the kind of tennis he's capable of. He deserved to win. As for Rafa, I am extremely disappointed in his form right now. There was no excuse after Wimbledon not to hit the practice courts a bit earlier ahead of these events to get better prepared. Despite being a fan, I can honestly say I don't believe he will ever come close to winning the US Open until he smartens up. He knows what he has to do, but he is NOT doing it. Why sit around and wait for open opportunities when you can create them? Toni Nadal needs to get off his ass and get on Rafa's case. This was a very disappointing 2 weeks and I for one have no sympathy for Rafa right now.

ZaZoo)

08-21-2010, 02:12 AM

I'm so happy for this!!:woohoo: Markos!!!:yeah: :bounce: :rocker2:
and now his seeding and draw is going to be much better in USO too.:D

second no.1 win in a year.:lol:

:bigwave::yippee:

Serenidad

08-21-2010, 02:12 AM

*ahem* In my Clay Death voice

Nadal cannot be stopped. Warrior. This is the shock and awe campaign.

Shock - almost losing to Benneteau
Awe - only winning a handful of points on Baghdatis' first serve

Just give him the trophy.

MIMIC

08-21-2010, 02:12 AM

Those points to set up break point for Baghdatis at 5-4 were amazing :eek:

coonster14

08-21-2010, 02:12 AM

Rafa lost!!! And I don't get to watch the Fedal SF I wanted to see. :sad:

But well played to Baggy, he has been on a great run this tournament, knocking out 3 seeded players in Cilic, Berdych and Nadal, now please beat Federer again tomorrow, best of luck Marcos!!! :D

Nadal's DF at 4-4 30-40 in the 3rd set, omg that is just so rare to see. :banghead:

Guy Haines

08-21-2010, 02:13 AM

Six threads. :lol: What the hell I'll choose this one.

Well done Marcos. Great to see him back playing this way, though he can play better. His first serve % was considerably higher -- 20%+ higher -- today than in previous rounds and he stuck around even when he started to seem flat-footed in return games. It paid off.

Nadal had the match for a stretch when he began playing more aggressively and laid off the wretched slice. He DFed to hand Baghdatis the crucial break. Certainly owes Baghdatis in that department.

This was actually an aggressively played match with a lot of strong serving. But it also had nervy errors, including a decisive one.

I was thinking Nadal's mentality is what blocks him on hard courts (that and the backhand) and then he went and DFed. :lol: On other surfaces when Nadal takes the tide back you feel he's got it, but he backsteps on hard courts and lets a worthy victor grab the match back, time and time again. This is the surface where his doubt and nerves show, in the form of passivity.

Can't see Marcos having much of a chance against Federer tomorrow. I hope he doesn't play New Haven. But also hope he stays fit and committed by his standards.

Ben.

08-21-2010, 02:13 AM

Nah. Every day Nadal loses is heaven on earth.

I don't think I need to add anything to this.

Gladiator

08-21-2010, 02:14 AM

competitive match
Marcos's 1st serves are just perfect
No need to feel sorry for Rafa, he played good but not good enough.
sad for the loss of Fedal match but it well be interesting rematch for maimi loss for Federer

3 of top 4 player are out in the QFs wow

djb84xi

08-21-2010, 02:14 AM

Oh dear. Another tough 3 set loss on HCs this year for Nadal similar to Ljubicic and Roddick. He just doesn't have the mentality on this surface. Had 3-4 0-30 and missed two easy returns, then double faulted to hand over the break the next game :o Baggy served like crazy and played really well except for a bit of a dip late in the second set. No Fedal :sad:

I don't think the mentality is the problem, so much as it is preparation and execution. There was no excuse for him not to prepare himself earlier for these events after Wimbledon.

Ben.

08-21-2010, 02:15 AM

*ahem* In my Clay Death voice

Nadal cannot be stopped. Warrior. This is the shock and awe campaign.

Shock - almost losing to Benneteau
Awe - only winning a handful of points on Baghdatis' first serve

Just give him the trophy.

Lol almost, you forgot to add "old sport" though.

Certinfy

08-21-2010, 02:16 AM

Fucking awesome!

green25814

08-21-2010, 02:16 AM

<3 Baggy :D

Nolby

08-21-2010, 02:16 AM

Pame, Marco!!!! :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown:

Now take out the trash tomorrow too! :yeah:

:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

Love it! :D

Pirata.

08-21-2010, 02:16 AM

As a Federer fan, I'm disappointed that Rafa lost. I really wanted a post-Wimbledon, fast hard courts showdown for once.

So many threads, but I have to say, none of them beats this clay season gem
http://i42.tinypic.com/33z2qn7.png

careergrandslam

08-21-2010, 02:17 AM

retire from hardcourts nadal.

cant believe i actually support this guy.

even when fatboy was choking serving for the match, this mug dumps the ball into the net to hand him the match.
at 4-3* 0-30 mugal plays the most awful points u will ever see.

how many hardcourt tournaments has it been since he won one? 18 months since his last hardcourt title.

sick of his hardcourt tennis.

someone in spain, tell ur players how to play on hardcourts.

SheepleBuster

08-21-2010, 02:17 AM

I don't think I need to add anything to this.

I am glad we all in agreement here. Not that it would matter cuz I am right. :devil:

Ozone

08-21-2010, 02:17 AM

No Fedal semi but so happy for Marcos. He took it to Rafa tonight. Serve:worship:

Good victory for Baggy. Nadal did anything extraordinary but Baggy was more consistent along the match and took his chances when he had them. BTW, the average of 1st sets and number of aces were much more tban his regular ones .

I think Fed is the favourite to win tomorrow but under present circunstances will be hard to predict who can win the tournament :confused:

SheepleBuster

08-21-2010, 02:19 AM

Unfortunately, some fans are so stupid they are not gonna watch now that 4 nobodies have reached the semis :) I am just saying. The good old drunken US crowd.

MacTheKnife

08-21-2010, 02:20 AM

OK, who picked these semi's on their draw.. Not me, that's for sure..

Baghdatis72

08-21-2010, 02:21 AM

Baghdatis served well for a change, kept fighting for every point, made some unbelievable shots and Nadal couldn't deal with it.

62% 1st serve in and 87% 1st serve points won. 18 aces.

35 winners against Nadal.

Enough said. Bring Federer on now :woohoo:

swebright

08-21-2010, 02:21 AM

Nadal wasn't playing bad but baggy stick to his game plan and was able to hold his nerve.
By the way, his coach is a hottie. Who's dat????

green25814

08-21-2010, 02:21 AM

retire from hardcourts nadal.

cant believe i actually support this guy.

even when fatboy was choking serving for the match, this mug dumps the ball into the net to hand him the match.
at 4-3* 0-30 mugal plays the most awful points u will ever see.

how many hardcourt tournaments has it been since he won one? 18 months since his last hardcourt title.

sick of his hardcourt tennis.

someone in spain, tell ur players how to play on hardcourts.

I'm sure when Rafa gets round to reading this post he'll be very upset. :awww:

DorianGray7

08-21-2010, 02:21 AM

Nadal wants to be fresh for the US Open. No reason to risk injury this close to the US Open. 9-10 days off is perfect. Cincy is not the ideal preparation as the courts are too fast here.

Nadal was injured today.

Deliberate tank to win the US Open. It's coming just watch.

pray-for-palestine-and-israel

08-21-2010, 02:22 AM

damn tank

knew federer was going to school him big time, got scared and choked to baggy

this nadal will never win the us open unless he pays 200% better

Certinfy

08-21-2010, 02:23 AM

Cilic, Bellucci, Berdych, Nadal, Federer, Roddick (Fish)

Would be incredible if he could somehow take the title.

DorianGray7

08-21-2010, 02:25 AM

knew federer was going to school him big time, got scared and choked to baggy

When was the last time Nadal lost to Federer? 2008? Madrid 2009 doesn't count because he was injured that day.

Nadal can easily beat Federer any day no problem. Federer is like a lamb to the slaughter, shows what a real GOAT this arrogant Swiss is.

MacTheKnife

08-21-2010, 02:25 AM

15k down the toilet on nadal. When will I learn, this guy just cant play on HCs.

Topspin Forehand

08-21-2010, 02:27 AM

I don't think the mentality is the problem, so much as it is preparation and execution. There was no excuse for him not to prepare himself earlier for these events after Wimbledon.
Um his knees?

osmonde

08-21-2010, 02:27 AM

Nadal received treatment in his knees after Wimby and could not hit a court for 3 weeks.
He said he was short on practice coming in Toronto and gave it his best.
A DF on BP is a rarity in his case, but all credit to Baggie who held serve with aces.
Hope he gives a ride to Federer who had it quite easy this week, so lucky...
And I am incline to think that Nadal will work his ass off for the next 10 days.

pray-for-palestine-and-israel

08-21-2010, 02:27 AM

ra-fail

best line ever

sounds even better when you hear spanish people pronouce rafael like fail

mseles1

08-21-2010, 02:29 AM

and I for one have no sympathy for Rafa right now.

Why would anyone? Multi millionaire, 2 majors & 3 masters so far this year. A little embarassing to lose to a mooby man but IW'10 shows he's in good company. Kudos for attempting to play on a court a little slower than glass.

Baghdatis played a good match, Rafa's 1st serve % dire and his returning against opponents 1st serves; debatable whether he's top 30 on a mid/fast hard court.

Great stuff indeed, thought the Cypriot would run out of gas, but seems like he had a can of gasoline hidden somewhere.

(Had to write something here, we wouldn't like to leave your post unanswered, would we?)

straitup

08-21-2010, 02:31 AM

That was brilliant from Marcos :worship: . A bit of a tricky time converting on MP but otherwise great play.

Nadal's BH chip wasn't doing anything, not that he was hitting BH drives better. That DF was so weird from him too...he won't win the USO playing like that. Best of 5 is gonna save him for sure though.

Fed-Baggy semi is appetizing

peribsen

08-21-2010, 02:34 AM

How can anybody rhyme fail with the name of an 8 GS winner beats me, it's as absurd as calling McEnroe McWannabe. But I guess some comments here are really not about tennis.

deyaa

08-21-2010, 02:34 AM

Oooh..American fans...look how looser you're...
just because now you dont have no 1 and only have the only one available that's only can win in Amerika..(he couldnt even reach SF in another country...what a GREAT PLAYER he is...let's dream that he can be no 1 when all the master series play in Amerika...)..now you're screaming like crazy because the no.1 is loose...

:worship::worship::worship: for looser of the day...

and keep dreaming guys :devil:

paseo

08-21-2010, 02:37 AM

Wow. I didn't think Baghdatis has it in him mentally to beat Nadal. Great job.

Poor Fed. I'm afraid he will never gets a chance to better the H2H against Nadal. This is his turf. I think it's unlikely that they'll meet in USO10.

straitup

08-21-2010, 02:38 AM

Oooh..American fans...look how looser you're...
just because now you dont have no 1 and only have the only one available that's only can win in Amerika..(he couldnt even reach SF in another country...what a GREAT PLAYER he is...let's dream that he can be no 1 when all the master series play in Amerika...)..now you're screaming like crazy because the no.1 is loose...

:worship::worship::worship: for looser of the day...

and keep dreaming guys :devil:

You're awesome.

tennis2tennis

08-21-2010, 02:38 AM

The Federer fans were scared Rafa would win, and embarrass the "GOAT" yet again.

yep we were quaking in our boots at roger meeting the hardcourt king that is rafa!!;)

deyaa

08-21-2010, 02:39 AM

When was the last time Nadal lost to Federer? 2008? Madrid 2009 doesn't count because he was injured that day.

Nadal can easily beat Federer any day no problem. Federer is like a lamb to the slaughter, shows what a real GOAT this arrogant Swiss is.

and why Nadal must afraid to Fed btw ??
didnt 14-7 is good number..and not the other way around...7-14 ?? ;)

Nadal play bad...and Baghdatis played better...
and it had nothing to do with the stupid looser said "oh, he's scared of Fed or Roddick or whatever.."
the last time Fed lost to Soderling in FO, is that because he;s afraid to the real king of clay ?? good question right..

BigJohn

08-21-2010, 02:40 AM

Oooh..American fans...look how looser you're...
just because now you dont have no 1 and only have the only one available that's only can win in Amerika..(he couldnt even reach SF in another country...what a GREAT PLAYER he is...let's dream that he can be no 1 when all the master series play in Amerika...)..now you're screaming like crazy because the no.1 is loose...

:worship::worship::worship: for looser of the day...

and keep dreaming guys :devil:

You got that right. :sad::confused:

swebright

08-21-2010, 02:41 AM

Nadal might wish he'll play Roger all the time!!

pray-for-palestine-and-israel

08-21-2010, 02:43 AM

not mcwannabee

mcroidrage
mcfailed
mcborg'd
mclendl'd

mcenwoe
mc-a-tantrum-throw

BigJohn

08-21-2010, 02:44 AM

Nadal was injured today.

What was the nature of the injury?

SheepleBuster

08-21-2010, 02:46 AM

What was the nature of the injury?

assthma? asshaustion?

careergrandslam

08-21-2010, 02:47 AM

Nadal received treatment in his knees after Wimby and could not hit a court for 3 weeks.
He said he was short on practice coming in Toronto and gave it his best.
A DF on BP is a rarity in his case, but all credit to Baggie who held serve with aces.
Hope he gives a ride to Federer who had it quite easy this week, so lucky...
And I am incline to think that Nadal will work his ass off for the next 10 days.

stop defending this guy.
if he plays like sh*t, then say he played like sh*t. call a spade a spade.
dont need to cling onto his nutsack everytime he gives these kind of shameful performances over and over again on the HC.
18 months since he did anything on a HC.
alot of rafas fans have defended him over each HC loss during this time, but this one is one too many.

absolutely awful, no other way to put it.
18 months is long enough to defend him and giving him the benefit of the doubt because of injuries,parent issues, etc.

he has had 7 matches since wimbledon and EVERY one of those 7 matches he has been abysmal.
honestly tell me one match he has played well in so far in the USO series?
and u think he can find some magic to win 7 matches at the USO? haha riiiiight.

seems like he hasnt done any training during his break, instead of overplaying, he has now underplayed.

u cant spin this anyway, he was atrocious tonight.

call me whatever name u want, but im just saying how i see it.
if thats a crime, then im guilty.

HKz

08-21-2010, 02:51 AM

Nadal wants to be fresh for the US Open. No reason to risk injury this close to the US Open. 9-10 days off is perfect. Cincy is not the ideal preparation as the courts are too fast here.

Yeah as if the US Open does not have a quick surface. If Nadal wanted to be fresh and not risk injury then why did he let it get to 3? GTFO rand.

Baghdatis72

08-21-2010, 02:52 AM

Next we will hear that Nadal had a pain in his left testicle which lead to his double fault which caused him to lose. Also Venus was aligned with the Sun and Saturn which made Baggy serve well and win the last game.

:haha:

Knightmace

08-21-2010, 02:56 AM

There are not 20 seeds
sorry I was meaning ranking position

peribsen

08-21-2010, 02:57 AM

not mcwannabee

mcroidrage
mcfailed
mcborg'd
mclendl'd

mcenwoe
mc-a-tantrum-throw

If that is the respect you have for the sport's greatests players....

finn98

08-21-2010, 03:05 AM

Nadal's Backhand is so pathetic right now its not even funny anymore..
Im sure WTA players can atleast hit a backhand to save their lives..
Everytime He hits a backhand slice..The Umpire can straight away award d point to his opponent..
For Fuck's sake..His CC BH won him AO 09..
I am seeing a pattern in his 3 set losses to Ljobo,Roddick and Baggy...He is turning into a mental midget on HCs...One who cant capitalize on opportunities even if his life depended on them...
I mean..Who on earth could make those awful second serve returns when U have 2 Break point chances to go 5-4 up in 3rd set :mad::smash::spit:
In the first set..In any neutral rally..Everytime Baggy sent a ball towards Rafa's BH side..Nadal wud find inventive ways to lose d point :worship: :(:(:(

All those Backhand drills with Fransisco Roig sure seems to be making a great effect :haha::haha:

Rafael Nadal could have become GOAT on all surfaces if only He could've maintained his AO 09 level..
Time for some serious reality check for Nadal..He needs to hire some REAL coaches not some old spanish dudes to hang out with and fall back on after matches..

Baggy...I only ask U to atleast put up a decent fight against the eventual champion. :wavey:

Today's awful performance forced me to even change my sign. :o

Luks like FATE has a greater hand in most of nadal's HC losses.
GOD doesn't want to mess up the 14-7 H2H and so he finds new ways to beat Rafa against clowns only to avoid Roger.. :p :p

ryder66

08-21-2010, 03:06 AM

I'm a little bit surprised at HOW surprised people are that Baghdatis won. He did get to the final of the AO, is ranked twenty, and can be a tough competitor. Just because he's going against the world number one, was he supposed to roll over and play dead? He didn't against Federer either, nor should he have, then or now. You play a sport to win, esp. as a professional. Baghdatis outplayed Nadal, simple as that.

straitup

08-21-2010, 03:08 AM

I'm a little bit surprised at HOW surprised people are that Baghdatis won. He did get to the final of the AO, is ranked twenty, and can be a tough competitor. Just because he's going against the world number one, was he supposed to roll over and play dead? He didn't against Federer either, nor should he have, then or now. You play a sport to win, esp. as a professional. Baghdatis outplayed Nadal, simple as that.

Well a 6-0 H2H suggests maybe something psychological factoring in, plus the match appeared to be following the script of the other 3 setters Rafa has won over Baggy. But considering the form, it certainly wasn't that surprising.

Topspin Forehand

08-21-2010, 03:10 AM

Yeah as if the US Open does not have a quick surface. If Nadal wanted to be fresh and not risk injury then why did he let it get to 3? GTFO rand.
Maybe because he needed to find the right mix between breaking out the rust and not overplaying? And US Open is pretty fast but not as fast as Cincy.

green25814

08-21-2010, 03:12 AM

Maybe because he needed to find the right mix between breaking out the rust and not overplaying? And US Open is pretty fast but not as fast as Cincy.

Its just as fast as Cincy if not faster imo.

Topspin Forehand

08-21-2010, 03:13 AM

Its just as fast as Cincy if not faster imo.
Well Nadal disagrees.

Brick Top

08-21-2010, 03:15 AM

Sadly, Nadal cant win a crap on this kind of surface.

Serenidad

08-21-2010, 03:18 AM

Well Nadal disagrees.

They're both played on DecoTurf. It's just Cincinnati is hotter and the court gets baked and the condition make it quicker.

ryder66

08-21-2010, 03:19 AM

Well a 6-0 H2H suggests maybe something psychological factoring in, plus the match appeared to be following the script of the other 3 setters Rafa has won over Baggy. But considering the form, it certainly wasn't that surprising.

Statistically speaking, a player who's never beaten another is bound to win one day. That's why such lopsided H2Hs make me nervous. It's going to happen sooner or later.

Topspin Forehand

08-21-2010, 03:20 AM

They're both played on DecoTurf. It's just Cincinnati is hotter and the court gets baked and the condition make it quicker.
Well Nadal looks considerably more comfortable at the US Open from my memory. US Open plays more similar to Toronto and Montreal (weather and speed of court).

Serenidad

08-21-2010, 03:21 AM

Well Nadal looks considerably more comfortable at the US Open from my memory. US Open plays more similar to Toronto and Montreal (weather and speed of court).

:lol: No it doesn't. The courts in Canada are much slower and very high bouncing.

docking34

08-21-2010, 03:21 AM

wish fedex was out. would make the tourny more interesting now

HKz

08-21-2010, 03:23 AM

I am actually disappointed that Nadal lost this one because Federer once again cannot play Nadal on a fast hardcourt. The only time Federer and Nadal have played on a fast hardcourt (not Miami crap slow ass hardcourts) was the two TMC SFs they have played on which Roger has won both.

See this is why their H2H record is so screwed up and unfair to Federer.

gulzhan

08-21-2010, 03:23 AM

Good that Rafa practiced 3-setters before USO.

Arkulari

08-21-2010, 03:24 AM

US Open courts are faster than Canada and slightly slower than Cincy but both Flushing Meadows and this are not Rafa's surface of choice, they eat topspin for breakfast and Rafa can't flatten ALL his shots like other players do, his BH needs a LOT of work if he wants to win in NY, IMO

gulzhan

08-21-2010, 03:24 AM

I am glad he let Baghda to play semi here.

Topspin Forehand

08-21-2010, 03:24 AM

I am actually disappointed that Nadal lost this one because Federer once again cannot play Nadal on a fast hardcourt. The only time Federer and Nadal have played on a fast hardcourt (not Miami crap slow ass hardcourts) was the two TMC SFs they have played on which Roger has won both.

See this is why their H2H record is so screwed up and unfair to Federer.
Funny you forgot about Dubai.

ChinoRios4Ever

08-21-2010, 03:24 AM

unreal this MTF, "Nadull" has more haters than the United States of America as a country :o

too bad no "pink-classic" tomorrow :sad:

well done Marcos :yeah:

gulzhan

08-21-2010, 03:25 AM

I am sure Rafa really didn't want to meet Fed right before USO.

gulzhan

08-21-2010, 03:26 AM

If Rafa played first and won, Fed would have tanked his match :tape: What a luck for Kolya that would be! :lol:

Who cares about Nadal losing... you can't win them all! The real focus here should be Baghdatis and the current form he is starting to show. Even if you aren't a fan of the guy we should all be rooting for him to keep this up heading into the Open. Baggy playing solid tennis is definitely good for the game as a whole. We all know what he is capable of and it would be nice to see some consistency out of him heading into the last Grand Slam.

swebright

08-21-2010, 03:39 AM

Any video clips? Please post.

MalwareDie

08-21-2010, 04:01 AM

Poor Fed. I'm afraid he will never gets a chance to better the H2H against Nadal. This is his turf. I think it's unlikely that they'll meet in USO10.

Federer's ability to lose to Nadal is amazing. If Nadal had won this match, Federer would probably serve at around 50% and lose most rallies as Nadal hits to his backhand over and over. All sorts of things go wrong when Federer faces Nadal and I don't think he'd improve the H2H with a match at the USO.

Start da Game

08-21-2010, 04:18 AM

this is exactly how i wanted rafa's preparation to be for the us open.......7 matches of hardcourt hitting before the us open and a lot of experimenting as reflected by 41 unforced errors.......

you will see him play differently at the us open.......he would have won this match fighting tooth and nail if he wanted to.......but slams are what count for him and he knows that there's no point in fighting and wasting reserves for these 1000 events.......

it's all building up nicely for the grand finish in new york.......

Pirata.

08-21-2010, 04:33 AM

I am actually disappointed that Nadal lost this one because Federer once again cannot play Nadal on a fast hardcourt. The only time Federer and Nadal have played on a fast hardcourt (not Miami crap slow ass hardcourts) was the two TMC SFs they have played on which Roger has won both.

See this is why their H2H record is so screwed up and unfair to Federer.

Pretty much. We had two very good chances for a Fedal final in Toronto and a Fedal semi here in Cincy and Nadal lost both right before he could face Roger. No wonder their H2H is so lopsided when Rafa does so poorly on faster hard courts and Roger's legacy is diminished because some tards cling to the H2H as the worst mar on Roger's greatness. He can't help that he's repeatedly reached the latter stages of the three big US hard court tourneys while Rafa has only managed to face him post-Wimbledon twice, at the World Tour Finals :mad:

Rumour

08-21-2010, 04:52 AM

Baggy :woohoo:

No wonder their H2H is so lopsided when Rafa does so poorly on faster hard courts and Roger's legacy is diminished because some tards cling to the H2H as the worst mar on Roger's greatness.

Believe me, the haters would still have reason to hate regardless of their H2H. If it was reversed it would only be further proof of a 'weak era' where the so-called GOAT had no real competition :shrug:

Start da Game

08-21-2010, 05:01 AM

Pretty much. We had two very good chances for a Fedal final in Toronto and a Fedal semi here in Cincy and Nadal lost both right before he could face Roger. No wonder their H2H is so lopsided when Rafa does so poorly on faster hard courts and Roger's legacy is diminished because some tards cling to the H2H as the worst mar on Roger's greatness. He can't help that he's repeatedly reached the latter stages of the three big US hard court tourneys while Rafa has only managed to face him post-Wimbledon twice, at the World Tour Finals :mad:

don't worry, fed must be happy to see rafa losing because he walks into matches against nadal with a great level of discomfort on any surface.......he's mentally beaten going into the match.......besides, fed gets the best out of rafa.......

don't be fooled by these experiments nadal is trying in these events against lesser players.......

Frederick16

08-21-2010, 05:07 AM

Lol Fed fans here happy he lost? Strange...

no i just wake up and i am so sad he lost. finally roger in a semi final of a speedy hard court when he is hitting good (first set davy) and then Rafa lost.. bwehhhhh :mad:

nice for Marcos

Johnny Groove

08-21-2010, 05:17 AM

Critical point late in the third, Baggy serving at 3-4, 0-30, 2nd serve.

0-0, long rally, Nadal goes for an aggressive bh up the line, short, Baggy rips a bh crosscourt which Nadal sends long, seeing as he gave up so much court on the bh DTL.
0-15, 2nd serve, good forehands, Baggy clips tape.
15-15, good 1st serve, missed return.
30-15, 1st serve, big forehand approach, Baggy hits the cross court winning pass.
30-30, 2nd serve, Nadal playing aggressive, Baggy defending well, Nadal comes into the net, Baggy sends a pass to the backhand, Nadal pops up the volley, Baggy races up and sends the bh into the open court.
30-40, DF from Nadal :o

Make with it what you will. Good, clutch serving from Marcos, dodgy returning from Nadal, and a terrible DF on BP :o

Arkulari

08-21-2010, 05:17 AM

Memo to Rafa: don't slice, he's been trying to do so for ages in HC and it never works :lol:

DuMa

08-21-2010, 05:22 AM

baggy wanted it more. rafa didnt want it as badly. its as simple as that.

Eden

08-21-2010, 05:23 AM

If Rafa played first and won, Fed would have tanked his match :tape: What a luck for Kolya that would be! :lol:

Why would Roger have tanked the match? :scratch: If he would be afraid of playing against Rafa he could have easily tanked matches on clay in order not to meet him, but tanking is not in the mind of him ;)

Didn't thought Marcos would have in him to beat Rafa so congrats for the first victory against him :yeah:

Rafa still remains one of the favourites for the USO as he will be difficult to beat in a best of 5 match.

Filo V.

08-21-2010, 05:25 AM

I don't know why so many people thought Rafa would win this. I knew full well Marcos would win this match. Rafa actually didn't play a horrible match at times. But that backhand is a serious problem, and that return of serve is a serious problem. His return was bad tonight and he wasn't reading the serve well, but give credit to Marcos for serving and playing wonderfully. Congrats to him on the great win. He definitely is in with a shot tomorrow v. Federer.

As for Rafa, he still is a favorite for the US Open, but his weaknesses on hard courts were exposed glaringly.

Mechlan

08-21-2010, 05:26 AM

Some really patchy stuff from Rafa. He was hitting backhands terribly for a while there. Thought he finally had the rhythm near the middle of the third, then inexplicably lost the plot. Good for Marcos, he's having a good summer and I'm glad he finally gets a win over Rafa.

Filo V.

08-21-2010, 05:28 AM

Confidence is a something that is very addicting, when you are filled with it you are in great, when you lack it, it comes back to bite you. That horrible volley and then DF by Rafa to give the break up at the end of the match there is actually a worse sign than any of the rest of the mistakes Rafa made. He's not confident, clearly, and when Rafa isn't confident, it makes him even more vulnerable on hard courts than generally.

chowdahead25

08-21-2010, 05:31 AM

Baghdatis just outplayed Nadal tonight:worship: If he keeps this up, he'll have a '05 Aussie Open-like US Open. Great serving and tennis from Marcos:crazy: 10 aces, 8 errors to Rafa's 16, 95% of first serve points won just in the 1st. Respect to Marcos as he served last in every set. Marcos came up with unreal shots at 4-4 in the 3rd, to setup a break point, in which the Clay King, who has had a woeful hard court season, double faulted on. Baggy came out and falt out beat Rafa tonight. Great tennis from both men however. A treat to watch this kind of tennis. Im so happy for Marcos and cant wait to see him in the US Open:drive::woohoo: Serving the match out was:worship:

18 aces, 62% 1st serves, 28 errors to Nadal's 41

06 aussie..

The Freak

08-21-2010, 06:02 AM

Good win for Baggy. Nadal needs to improve some things if he wants to win in New York.

FormerRafaFan

08-21-2010, 06:09 AM

I didn't watch the match, but from the looks of it, Nadal didn't play an awful match. Baggy was just better.

Nadal only needs to get his BH to work again, and cut down on the EU's, and he'll be dangerous again!

DrJules

08-21-2010, 06:18 AM

I don't know why so many people thought Rafa would win this. I knew full well Marcos would win this match. Rafa actually didn't play a horrible match at times. But that backhand is a serious problem, and that return of serve is a serious problem. His return was bad tonight and he wasn't reading the serve well, but give credit to Marcos for serving and playing wonderfully. Congrats to him on the great win. He definitely is in with a shot tomorrow v. Federer.

As for Rafa, he still is a favorite for the US Open, but his weaknesses on hard courts were exposed glaringly.

On what basis on a hard court is Nadal favourite at US Open. He did not look it here or in Toronto.

Roddickominator

08-21-2010, 06:21 AM

Baghdatis won this with great play. Nadal wasn't at his best....but even his hardcourt best can be beaten by a hot player who is serving big and hitting big and flat like Baggy was.

I think Rafa knows some of his problems...after the Benneteau match he mentioned that he was slicing his backhand too often, but Rafa isn't playing with confidence from the backhand side right now. He'll have to get comfortable there in a hurry, or he can kiss any chance at winning the USO goodbye.

careergrandslam

08-21-2010, 06:23 AM

im glad rafa lost, everytime he wears that idiotic pink shirt he ends up getting beat.
anyone that wears pink has no right to win a tournament, i hate pink.

lost all respect for nike for making both nadal and federer wear pink.
no one fears a man in pink.

Filo V.

08-21-2010, 06:26 AM

im glad rafa lost, everytime he wears that idiotic pink shirt he ends up getting beat.
anyone that wears pink has no right to win a tournament, i hate pink.

lost all respect for nike for making both nadal and federer wear pink.
no one fears a man in pink.

Hahaha, it's a damn color, chill out :lol: I'm sure the players across the net could care less if he's wearing any other color. You think pink is unmanly but that just shows that you have a erred view of what being a man is.

Filo V.

08-21-2010, 06:26 AM

On what basis on a hard court is Nadal favourite at US Open. He did not look it here or in Toronto.

On the basis that he is Rafael Nadal.

Filo V.

08-21-2010, 06:30 AM

I didn't watch the match, but from the looks of it, Nadal didn't play an awful match. Baggy was just better.
He played around a C+ level or so. It was adequate, not awful, but he has to be on his A game against players like Baghdatis when they are playing well. He vacillates between good and poor play. Usually he does well in the big moments to step up but today he sort of meekly went away at the big moments, his biggest issue right now is a flat out lack of confidence. Marcos was the better player and did what he needed to do to win.

careergrandslam

08-21-2010, 06:32 AM

On the basis that he is Rafael Nadal.

pfffffttttt

nadal + hardcourts = useless

Filo V.

08-21-2010, 06:34 AM

Baghdatis won this with great play. Nadal wasn't at his best....but even his hardcourt best can be beaten by a hot player who is serving big and hitting big and flat like Baggy was.

I think Rafa knows some of his problems...after the Benneteau match he mentioned that he was slicing his backhand too often, but Rafa isn't playing with confidence from the backhand side right now. He'll have to get comfortable there in a hurry, or he can kiss any chance at winning the USO goodbye.

Yeah, that backhand is a real problem. It constantly got him in trouble the entire match, terrible returning, making errors, hitting it short, having no pace and poor direction, the slice has nothing on it. Then he overcompensates by overhitting the forehand, trying to run around balls and getting himself out of position. It's a mental issue he is having at the moment, the problem is this has been two weeks now of bad backhand game from Nadal, so he'll need to prove that side can stand the test come US Open time. But, I'm confident that he'll be much better with a day or two of rest, and then hitting the practice court hard.

Filo V.

08-21-2010, 06:34 AM

pfffffttttt

nadal + hardcourts = useless

He has one of the best records on hard in the game. Try again.

straitup

08-21-2010, 06:35 AM

pfffffttttt

nadal + hardcourts = useless

But Nadal + Hardcourts + best of 5 format which means his opponent needs to be playing well to win 3 sets = difficult to beat

careergrandslam

08-21-2010, 06:40 AM

He played around a C+ level or so. It was adequate, not awful, but he has to be on his A game against players like Baghdatis when they are playing well. He vacillates between good and poor play. Usually he does well in the big moments to step up but today he sort of meekly went away at the big moments, his biggest issue right now is a flat out lack of confidence. Marcos was the better player and did what he needed to do to win.

everyone knows how to beat nadal on HC.
hit hard and flat into his forehand and then either get the winner or get a short reply for an easy put away.

its a tactic everyone uses and nadal has no counter to that tactic.

unless he can solve that, he wont be winning any major hardcourt title for the rest of his career.

i have a feeling he is going to get beat badly in the USO, he is in for a long 8 months on the hardcourts until monte carlo 2011.

Blackbriar

08-21-2010, 07:00 AM

it was a real top guy slaughter tomorrow! only Fed survived, but he was playing one of his favorite victims.

madmax

08-21-2010, 07:31 AM

He has one of the best records on hard in the game. Try again.

tell me the last HC title he's won? How many years ago it was? 1 or 2? You make it sound like beating him on HC is some kind of miracle - Del Potro routed this clown 2, 2 and 2 last year:wavey:

born_on_clay

08-21-2010, 07:43 AM

41 ue's :o

Xristos

08-21-2010, 08:11 AM

Nadal has not looked all that good the past 2 weeks, and im not talking about his outfit.

PamposCypriot

08-21-2010, 08:28 AM

Im so happy that the clown on my avatar started winning some big games :D

Marcos Baghdatis: A talent got wasted or a late bloomer?

henke007

08-21-2010, 08:34 AM

Only 8 months to Monte Carlo :dance::spit:

The Magician

08-21-2010, 08:47 AM

Avoided all news on the match and just watched the whole thing, and boy was it worth it :devil: Nadull was a total clown, df to give up the break in the 3rd :haha: Nice warning for on court coaching too, did he always do that and I didn't notice or is it a recent way to bend the rules?

Absolutely deserved winner, Baggy :worship: Also if this match doesn't expose to you why the Fed/Nadal h2h is a joke statistic you may be too deep in the tarddom :help:

See you next clay season piggy :wavey:

Guy Haines

08-21-2010, 08:48 AM

By the way, his coach is a hottie. Who's dat????

His coach is a dimepiece.

Blackbriar

08-21-2010, 09:01 AM

it wil be very difficult for Nadal to beat Federer GS record if he can only win Roland and Wimbly.

B787

08-21-2010, 09:05 AM

He should have been out already to Benneteau in the last round.
I would love to see him drawing Nalby in the first or second round at USOpen. 2,2 and 2 vs Del Potro last year always make me laugh at the people worshiping him as a good HC player.

As for Baggy, great result, he is not without chances vs Fed. Should be a good match.

hilluis

08-21-2010, 09:19 AM

Disappointing how this on court coaching continues no matter which coach is there.

Serenidad

08-21-2010, 09:20 AM

By the way, his coach is a hottie. Who's dat????

A complete cutie.

sabina_RF_lee

08-21-2010, 09:21 AM

Thats why H2H is nothing, especially Fedal H2H. Its not Roger`s fault that they met mostly on clay. They could meet in Toronto final but Nadal couldnt reach it, If could their H2H would be 8-14. Then, Nadal couldnt reach semis in Cincy If could it would be 9-14. And finally Nadal has never reach finals in USO, where Roger won 5straight times If Nadal could make finals in USO their H2H would be 16-14 and many times in Cincy, Toronto 20-14. So Fedal`s H2H doesnt show nothing.

finn98

08-21-2010, 09:22 AM

Disappointing how this on court coaching continues no matter which coach is there.

Its not like it is helping him..Did u see those errors from d Backhand wing..
Coaches cant teach that kinda stuff.. :spit: :bowdown:

sabina_RF_lee

08-21-2010, 09:23 AM

What a shame, no Fedal semi

hilluis

08-21-2010, 09:24 AM

Its not like it is helping him..Did u see those errors from d Backhand wing..
Coaches cant teach that kinda stuff.. :spit: :bowdown:

Not really the point, on court coaching should not be happening. No1 in the world should make sure that his coaches keep quiet.

Guy Haines

08-21-2010, 09:25 AM

A complete cutie.

Baghdatis' current (and former) coach Guillame Payre is more handsome than anyone in the ATP.

I heard Marcos's coach promised him his name would be changed to Brandsdatis if he won.

tribalfusion

08-21-2010, 09:37 AM

tell me the last HC title he's won? How many years ago it was? 1 or 2? You make it sound like beating him on HC is some kind of miracle - Del Potro routed this clown 2, 2 and 2 last year:wavey:

If it were a question of winning titles only, then most players would be "clowns" on more than one surface. When was the last grass tournament most players won for example? Ridiculous logic and all the more so when Nadal reaches quarters or better in all his hard tournaments which is quite statistic for a clown.

As for Del Po, I hope you apply the same logic to his losses upon returning from injury.

Serenidad

08-21-2010, 09:39 AM

Baghdatis' current (and former) coach Guillame Payre is more handsome than anyone in the ATP.

I heard Marcos's coach promised him his name would be changed to Brandsdatis if he won.

Brandsdatis. :haha:

cocrcici

08-21-2010, 10:05 AM

:cool::cool:

Machiavelli

08-21-2010, 10:14 AM

Never in doubt, always nice when the better player actually wins..

Marcos should have closed it out in two...

That bh slice from Parerra, what a beauty, I wish he would use it even more, amazing shot,so effective and beautiful

borracho

08-21-2010, 10:46 AM

great game by Baggy, tho Nadal was playing horrible. I did like Nadal's aggressive playing style at times though, but a blind horse can see that he's not too comfortable with attacking.

MacTheKnife

08-21-2010, 11:10 AM

A medical team will be examining nadal all day today to determine what injury led to this.

Baghdatis72

08-21-2010, 11:13 AM

The thread has been filled with excuses as to why Nadal lost to the point where people might have overlooked the changes in Baghdatis game which lead to his win over Nadal for the first time.

For those who watch tennis and are not apologists of a specific player it would be interesting to know that Baghdatis attacked to Nadal's backhand a lot more than usual, his serve placement was spread almost evenly to the T and wide and he didn't go into passive mode as soon as Rafa seemed to bounce back but kept attacking.

Huntress555

08-21-2010, 11:16 AM

Rafa :(

Shirogane

08-21-2010, 11:21 AM

Good win for the Cypriot. :yeah:

Nolby

08-21-2010, 11:21 AM

The thread has been filled with excuses as to why Nadal lost to the point where people might have overlooked the changes in Baghdatis game which lead to his win over Nadal for the first time.

For those who watch tennis and are not apologists of a specific player it would be interesting to know that Baghdatis attacked to Nadal's backhand a lot more than usual, his serve placement was spread almost evenly to the T and wide and he didn't go into passive mode as soon as Rafa seemed to bounce back but kept attacking.

His fitness and speed were stunning as well. The way he raced down the Rafa drop shots and hit passing shots was amazing. His foot speed when he is healthy is often overlooked.

Also, Rafa kept trying to blast the ball with those RPM blast strings to overpower Baggy, but Baggy was able to get a clean swing on those same blasts that many players can't quite handle, and he kept the rallies going which allowed him to construct the point and put himself in a position to take it. It seems to me that most players can't handle the heat of those Rafa blasts to even get in a position to construct a point, but Baggy is seeing the ball really well these days, and he is cleanly striking the ball.

Sophocles

08-21-2010, 11:33 AM

Good for the game.

I get the feeling that on a genuinely fast court, Rafa just doesn't have time to hit a proper backhand. In the '80s he'd have had a hard time winning anything off clay.

Baghdatis72

08-21-2010, 11:38 AM

His fitness and speed were stunning as well. The way he raced down the Rafa drop shots and hit passing shots was amazing. His foot speed when he is healthy is often overlooked.

Also, Rafa kept trying to blast the ball with those RPM blast strings to overpower Baggy, but Baggy was able to get a clean swing on those same blasts that many players can't quite handle, and he kept the rallies going which allowed him to construct the point and put himself in a position to take it. It seems to me that most players can't handle the heat of those Rafa blasts to even get in a position to construct a point, but Baggy is seeing the ball really well these days, and he is cleanly striking the ball.

Also forgot to mention that his "beer belly" is gone :p

Forehander

08-21-2010, 11:50 AM

This Baghdatis have one hell of a good first serve when it goes in. The placement is always extremely difficult to return. Very talented guy

Nolby

08-21-2010, 11:55 AM

Also forgot to mention that his "beer belly" is gone :p

:lol:

He kept lifting the bottom of his shirt to wipe sweat off his face, and I kept thinking "No, Baggy, an International audience is watching! :eek:"

But then he would do it, and i would I think, "Whew, it's ok. Baggy has been working on his fitness." :p I get the feeling he was almost doing that on purpose to show how fit he is now.

Forehander

08-21-2010, 12:00 PM

Nadal had Rectal hemorrhage

Certinfy

08-21-2010, 12:04 PM

This makes me feel so much better about Berdych losing to Baghdatis now. :o

Nolby

08-21-2010, 12:19 PM

This makes me feel so much better about Berdych losing to Baghdatis now. :o
Cilic, Bellucci, Berdych and Nadal. Now Fed. Not the easiest draw by any means.

If Baggy wins this tournament, he would be ranked around 12th or 13th. Either way, he is moving on up in the Top 20.

Baghdatis72

08-21-2010, 12:41 PM

Baghdatis had burned out before the summer vacations and many (inlcuding myself :o ) criticized that he wasn't taking things too seriously. Well we were wrong. He needed a good vacation to clear his mind, get over the change of coach, relax, exercise, have fun and discover his love for the sport again. It seems to have worked.

An important thing that has also changed is that he now uses his brain a lot more, which was something he lacked.

rafa the best

08-21-2010, 12:50 PM

Well even with all those errors,mostly terrible game and Baghdatis on fire, Rafa had this match in his pocket but his atrocious 2. serve return cost him the match AGAIN. He had 0-30 and Baghdatis was starting to lose it but then he blew it. I knew he would be broken in the next game and that DF didn't surprise me, he was frustrated cause he also knew he blew his chance in the previous game.
He just has too many mental blocks and issues on this surface, all coming from his 2009 loses and traumas.

Nolby

08-21-2010, 12:55 PM

Baghdatis had burned out before the summer vacations and many (inlcuding myself :o ) criticized that he wasn't taking things too seriously. Well we were wrong. He needed a good vacation to clear his mind, get over the change of coach, relax, exercise, have fun and discover his love for the sport again. It seems to have worked.

An important thing that has also changed is that he now uses his brain a lot more, which was something he lacked.

I thought he was in great form before the Australian Open, but he played too many 250 tourneys before the AO, including winning Sydney, playing a tough final when the AO Qulifications were being completed, and then he was out of gas by the time he played horribly against Hewitt.

The Pilot Pen still has him listed as the top seed to play. I am praying he pulls out or tanks. :angel: He needs some rest before the USO. His run to the Final in the Legg Mason and this deep run in Cincy is more than enough preparation for the USO. Do you have any idea if he is apt to pull out of New Haven?

habibko

08-21-2010, 01:48 PM

A medical team will be examining nadal all day today to determine what injury led to this.

:haha:

great match from Baggy :yeah: proving that he has enough quality to beat the very best players in the world one more time, and showing everyone that beating Federer while saving a match point earlier this year wasn't a fluke, it's a shame his fitness couldn't help him with another run ala 06 AO.

YD0Pm87k9Ck

careergrandslam

08-21-2010, 01:52 PM

nadal should just concentrate on clay and grass, its clear that he just isnt good enough to compete with the big boys on hardcourts.
playing on HC will just destroy his knees even more and shorten his career.
no point playing HC when u can never win against a decent hardcourt player playing good tennis.

baggy's best on HC is greater than rafa's best on HC.

rafa can say that he can improve and all that, but even his best on HC is not good enough to beat guys like baggy, cilic, nalby, murray, djoko, federer, roddick, etc.

i hate to say this, but its looking more and more likely as the weeks go by, that rafa may NEVER win another hardcourt title ever again.

its a sad sight seeing him play on the HC.
he looks completely lost out there, he doesnt know whether to attack or defend, his serve is inconsistent and on HC he is a mental midget.

he needs time to hit the forehand and HC dont allow him that time for the windup of his forehand.
his backhand is awful, he is pushing it instead of hitting it like he used to do.
no confidence in his backhand and no confidence in his serve.

if he has too much rest, he loses form but if he plays too much, he gets tired and injured.
i dont think he knows the right balance.

just remember, rafa's last HC win was 18 months ago.

lazybear

08-21-2010, 02:08 PM

Baghdatis' current (and former) coach Guillame Payre is more handsome than anyone in the ATP.

I heard Marcos's coach promised him his name would be changed to Brandsdatis if he won.

Really? I'm a guy though, what do i know. Baggy served really well, but i didn't like his gameplan in the third, if Nadal wouldn't be blasting unforced left and right, i don't think Baggy would have prevailed.

Sophocles

08-21-2010, 02:16 PM

:haha:

great match from Baggy :yeah: proving that he has enough quality to beat the very best players in the world one more time, and showing everyone that beating Federer while saving a match point earlier this year wasn't a fluke, it's a shame his fitness couldn't help him with another run ala 06 AO.

YD0Pm87k9Ck

Thanks for posting that. Some classic Koenig commentary in that clip.

peribsen

08-21-2010, 07:06 PM

nadal should just concentrate on clay and grass, its clear that he just isnt good enough to compete with the big boys on hardcourts.

May I remind you that Rafa plays for himself, not for his fans?

playing on HC will just destroy his knees even more and shorten his career.

Why should lengthening his career be his prime objective? He has already won as many GS as Connors, more MS1000 than Agassi, Olympic gold and more money than he can handle. Let him go on taking his own decisions, it's worked more than fine up to now.

no point playing HC when u can never win against a decent hardcourt player playing good tennis.

Maybe his goal is not to avoid failure but to try his best. Fans should appreciate the effort. Rafa likes the competition, he loves tennis. His kind don't shut themselves in the basement to hide from failure, they enjoy fighting against it. Surely a true sporstman should behave like that.

even his best on HC is not good enough to beat guys like baggy, cilic, nalby, murray, djoko, federer, roddick, etc.

Not true, he can and has beaten several of the men you mention.

i hate to say this, but its looking more and more likely as the weeks go by, that rafa may NEVER win another hardcourt title ever again.

So what?

its a sad sight seeing him play on the HC.

Matter of opinion I guess. I for one enjoy seeing him fight and relish the fact that he does achieve pretty consistent results (most always SF, a top-4 finish) on the surface that is least becoming for his style of play. Besides, his results on clay and grass, while outrageously good, would not be enough to keep him in the top 2, you can't ignore that HC is the majority surface.

I don't follow Nadal only when he is likely to win. That makes his wins far more enjoyable. I suggest you do the same.

tribalfusion

08-21-2010, 07:43 PM

Nadal had Rectal hemorrhage

Is your signature meant to be sophisticated irony?

tribalfusion

08-21-2010, 07:45 PM

nadal should just concentrate on clay and grass, its clear that he just isnt good enough to compete with the big boys on hardcourts
no point playing HC when u can never win against a decent hardcourt player playing good tennis.

baggy's best on HC is greater than rafa's best on HC.

rafa can say that he can improve and all that, but even his best on HC is not good enough to beat guys like baggy, cilic, nalby, murray, djoko, federer, roddick, etc.

i hate to say this, but its looking more and more likely as the weeks go by, that rafa may NEVER win another hardcourt title ever again.

its a sad sight seeing him play on the HC.
he looks completely lost out there, he doesnt know whether to attack or defend, his serve is inconsistent and on HC he is a mental midget.

My lord you are a troll.

pray-for-palestine-and-israel

08-21-2010, 07:47 PM

nadal lost and all is well

he isn't a great hardcourter

his clay court achivements will guarantee his legend but his hc record will always be his *

Maybe now all you trolls will know that Nadal is not good enough on hardcourt to win the US Open :)

Sapeod

08-21-2010, 08:08 PM

If you wanna say thi then tennis was SURELY saved when Fish beat Mugray
No, it wasn't.
Murray was saved when Fish beat Murray :wavey:
Now he'll have a week and few days rest until he makes his attack on the US Open title :bigwave:

Certinfy

08-21-2010, 08:11 PM

Nadal losing > Murray losing.

Ozone

08-21-2010, 08:12 PM

No, it wasn't.
Murray was saved when Fish beat Murray :wavey:
Now he'll have a week and few days rest until he makes his attack on the US Open title :bigwave:
:rolleyes:Like a whole week off isnt enough...

brent-o

08-21-2010, 08:13 PM

Dear. God. Rafa's backhand was piss poor in this match lol

I thought it was just a mindless MTF exxageration (just like when he was struggling at the FO and Wimbly this year they were saying his game was WAY off, wouldn't get far, etc., and we saw how that turned out).

But upon seeing a replay of the match today, you all were definitely right. I wonder what's going on with that. Strange.

Ozone

08-21-2010, 08:16 PM

Btw, this really isnt that good for tennis. Sports fans love to see Fedal rivalries, and it would sell more tickets and increse TV ratings. Ima huge Baghdatis fan but no way was this good for tennis. Now it's just another match for Federer for those who dont follow tennis really closely

finn98

08-21-2010, 08:17 PM

Dear. God. Rafa's backhand was piss poor in this match lol

I thought it was just a mindless MTF exxageration (just like when he was struggling at the FO and Wimbly this year they were saying his game was WAY off, wouldn't get far, etc., and we saw how that turned out).

But upon seeing a replay of the match today, you all were definitely right. I wonder what's going on with that. Strange.

I still think ppl aren't crediting that BH enuf for this loss....90% of this thread is full of..Baggy was d better player..He served lights out..At the end of d day..Nadal gifted this match on a platter :rolleyes: :rolleyes:..

Lunatiq

08-21-2010, 08:40 PM

<wow>

Sapeod

08-21-2010, 08:44 PM

:rolleyes:Like a whole week off isnt enough...
It is, but still, an extra few days will do more good.

Kuhne

08-21-2010, 09:36 PM

Rafa is going quickly back to his rightful place.... Number 2

Topspin Forehand

08-21-2010, 09:40 PM

nadal lost and all is well

he isn't a great hardcourter

his clay court achivements will guarantee his legend but his hc record will always be his *

federer on the other hand has no *

off clay he is 5-4 against nadal
14-7 hahaha. Or if you don't count hardcourt, Nadal is 12-4 against Federer. How does that ownage taste?

Sapeod

08-21-2010, 09:42 PM

14-7 hahaha. Or if you don't hardcourt, Nadal is 12-4 against Federer. How does that ownage taste?
So on hardcourt, Fed is 3-2?
Interesting.